This huge cave complex is a must see for cave enthusiasts. They are partially lit and can be wandered through at your leisure or with a lantern equipped guide. The latter is a better choice as not all the caverns are lit.
One of the caves which is open to the public is Tham Maa, which extends for over six kilometers into the mountain. You will need a guide for this one as it is not lit. A more accessible cavern/tunnel is Tham Phra Non, which is lit for all of its 300m. Guides are mostly available on weekends. All the caves are marked and signposted and tracks often make the going fairly easy.
Admission is 20 baht for the whole cave system but more for a guided tour. The caves are located just over half way between Chiang Mai and Fang (72kms north of Chiang Mai, and around 90kms south of Fang), and six kilometers west of the main road (Route 107).
To get there take a bus from Chiang Mai or Fang/Tha Ton to the town of Chiang Dao (1 hour) where you can get a songtheaw right to the cave complex. The bus from Chiang Mai costs 40 baht. Travel agents in Chiang Mai also arrange day trips to the caves. The caves close to the public at around 4.30pm.
Getting There
Take a bus from Chang Puak bus station in Chiang Mai (about 1 hour 30 min), and then charter a songthaew.
Need to Know
- What is it? An expansive network of caves.
- When to go: To explore deep in the caves, go on a weekend, when guides are more readily available.
- Opening hours: 08:00-16:30, daily.
- Entrance fees: 20 baht, extra for guided tour.
- Address/website: 6km west of Chiang Dao town.
- Where: between Chiang Mai and Fang, along Route 107.
- Lat: N19.38298
- Long: E98.94218